Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread

[Merv]

Westwood's become key for us - midfield is so currently weak. Herd is out, as are Bent and Albrighton, so I'd go with:

Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Stevens

Holman Westwood Bannan

Weimann Benteke N'Zogbia

Bench: Given, Lichaj, Bennett, Delph, Carruthers, Ireland, Agbonlahor.

[David_Nab]

Herd's foot in special boot , can see why he been absent last 2 games now

[eastie]

@MatKendrick: Vlaar possibly back, Westwood back, Bent out, Herd out, Albrighton out, Dunne out, Given out, Gardner out #avfc #haveimissedanyoneout

[Matt Collins]

Westwood's become key for us - midfield is so currently weak. Herd is out, as are Bent and Albrighton, so I'd go with:

Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Stevens

Holman Westwood Bannan

Weimann Benteke N'Zogbia

Bench: Given, Lichaj, Bennett, Delph, Carruthers, Ireland, Agbonlahor.

Looks about right to me though not sure we've ever played 433 under lambert. I guess Holman plays the more advanced role. Vlaar is in the squad so hopefully he's good for at least a place on the bench. Would be fantastic if he could start.

Sounds encouraging that saints seem to have injury worries at the back

But glad I'm not going to be following this one. I'll be checking the scores through gritted teeth later on

[PeterWithesShin]

@MatKendrick: Vlaar possibly back, Westwood back, Bent out, Herd out, Albrighton out, Dunne out, Given out, Gardner out #avfc #haveimissedanyoneout

Ellis out!

[eastie]

I wonder what given is out with, seems to never ending list of injuries this season , bent has medial ligament problem apparently.

[PaulWinch again]

If we could have Vlaar and Westwood back in that'd be a massive boost.

[Matt Collins]

Although we need signings, Vlaar dunne and Westwood would improve the side that played Tuesday massively

[onje_villa]

I wonder if he'll consider playing 442?

I'm a fan of our formation going forward and the flexibility it offers but you surely need very strong full backs as you have no wingers to double up.

When we used to have Young and Milner, our full backs could count on a certain amount of support.

At the moment it seems our young full-backs are very much there for the taking.

[eastie]

Might got with a back three if Vlaar plays as he won't be match fit but can organise the defence, might be exposed a bit if if played in a central 2 , Westwood back is excellent news .

[Merv]

Westwood's become key for us - midfield is so currently weak. Herd is out, as are Bent and Albrighton, so I'd go with:

Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Stevens

Holman Westwood Bannan

Weimann Benteke N'Zogbia

Bench: Given, Lichaj, Bennett, Delph, Carruthers, Ireland, Agbonlahor.

Looks about right to me though not sure we've ever played 433 under lambert. I guess Holman plays the more advanced role. Vlaar is in the squad so hopefully he's good for at least a place on the bench. Would be fantastic if he could start.

Sounds encouraging that saints seem to have injury worries at the back

But glad I'm not going to be following this one. I'll be checking the scores through gritted teeth later on

Yeah - Westwood and Bannan in a two, Holman just in front. Also gives us the flexibility to pull Holman back and into a more conventional RM role, with CNZ on the left, if we find Saints pressing out on the flanks.

Not many options, has to be said. I suppose it's a toss of the coin between Bannan and Delph as to who starts, neither in good form. Not sure Vlaar will be ready just yet.

[N'ZMAV]

I think, I'd try this...

Guzan

Lowton
Vlaar
Baker
Stevens

Westwood
Clark

Agbonlahor (RW)
Weimann (support striker)
N'Zogbia (LW)

Benteke

[eastie]

I think, I'd try this...

Guzan

Lowton
Vlaar
Baker
Stevens

Westwood
Clark

Agbonlahor (RW)
Weimann (support striker)
N'Zogbia (LW)

Benteke

Must admit I quite like that line up.

[Jarpie]

I think, I'd try this...

Guzan

Lowton
Vlaar
Baker
Stevens

Westwood
Clark

Agbonlahor (RW)
Weimann (support striker)
N'Zogbia (LW)

Benteke

I would try Holman in deeper role instead of Clark, didn't he play quite well in that slot against Newcastle?

[danlanza]

Villa 2-1 win with a massive effort put in by every player on the pitch.
Optimistic i know, i just don't want us to be looking for another bloody manager, again.